Some of our clients are torn between removing their carpet and having wooden flooring installed. This blog will help you to answer some of the questions that are frequently asked when people decide to make the change.

Wooden flooring can be installed in most areas including your Home, Business, Conservatory, Play areas, Kitchens and Bathrooms. It is a cost effective way to transform your living spaces, and ensure your home is kept hygienic and free of dust mites, particularly useful if you have pets and/or children that suffer from these allergens.

Regularly hiring a Professional carpet cleaning service such as Merton Carpet Cleaners, will prolong the life of your carpets and also prevent and remove the allergens that are trapped within the carpet fibres. However, if you do decide to take the plunge, it is important that you understand the three types of flooring that can be installed:

Laminate Wood effect Laminate Flooring is made of melamine resin and fibre board materials, set with an image imposed to create the desired effect, under a protective transparent layer to protect the surface.

Pros

Cheap and can last for years.

Simple to install if using click-lock.

A wide choice of colours and effects.

Versatile.

Cons

Moisture can penetrate the wood resulting in swelling.

Poor installation can leave gaps and bloating in the wood.

Some Laminate flooring can look fake and cheap.

Difficult to install on uneven floors.

What we can see here is that laminate is probably the most cost-effective, and probably the most beginner friendly. However, due to other factors such as the overtime moisture penetration, difficult installation possibilities and problems that can be caused if improperly done, some may be worried to go down that specific route. Therefore, although it is cost-effective and provides quantity over quality, you must ask yourself if it is worth the price.

Due to the practical positives of engineered wood, some may opt for this. It is a perfect match between synthetic and real, and due to the long life expectancy, potential to look real, ability to be modified and overall flooring protection offered, many would choose this option. However, because this flooring is very easily damaged, difficult to install in specific played and can be expensive, people who wish for convenience may not choose this option.​Solid Wood As the name suggests it is made of pieces of solid wood.

Pros

The real thing.

Long lasting.

Durable.

Cons

Most Expensive.

Requires regular Polishing.

While solid wood is real, long lasting and just as endurable as modified wood, it is the preference for some, usually those who have a specific image in mind. However, due to the expensive costs of the flooring itself, as well as potential costs of keeping the flooring clean in addition, those who are looking for cheaper alternatives can find it without losing much quality.

Care instructions

Do not use a steam cleaner or wet mop, the moisture will damage your floor.

Use a damp cloth to quickly wipe spills.

Do not allow liquids to penetrate your floor.

Use a specifically designed for laminate floor care cleaning solution.

For tough stains, such as oil, paint, lipstick and ink, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean cloth. Finish by using a damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.

Sweep, dust, or use a vacuum cleaner (use a soft brush) to prevent accumulation of dirt and dust that can scratch or dull the floor surface.

Do not use any type of machine to buff or polish your floor.

To remove candle wax or chewing gum, use ice and then gently scrape using a plastic object, for example the flat end of a comb, to avoid scratching the surface. Finish by wiping clean with a damp cloth.